Migraines are a neurological disorder marked by headaches that range in severity from moderate to blindingly painful.

Each day, an estimated 200,000 people in the UK experience a migraine attack. Other symptoms include nausea and light sensitivity. Sufferers are often prevented from going to work and participating in daily activities.

Not licensed in UK

People affected by episodic migraine may have up to 14 headache days a month.

For this trial, 246 migraine sufferers were given injections of erenumab or a placebo drug once per month for three months.

Of the participants, 39% had been treated unsuccessfully with two other medications, 38% with three medications and 23% with four medications.

Dr Mark Toms, Chief Scientific Officer at Novartis UK, said: "There has been no real advancement in migraine treatment for the past 20 years and we're proud to be breaking new ground in neurology for the millions of people in the UK living with the painful and disruptive symptoms of migraine."

The drug works by targeting and blocking a pain-signalling molecule in the brain called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP).

The findings will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting taking place in Los Angeles from April 21 to 27.

Erenumab is not yet licensed for use in the UK.

Get the insurance you need for any pre-existing medical conditions before jetting off.